Black Creativity 2026

CHICAGO — Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s long-running Black Creativity program celebrates the history of Black innovation while championing opportunities for today’s youth to explore STE(A)M in service of a more equitable future rooted in community, creativity and discovery. Now in its 56th year, the annual program honors the achievements of Black creatives and innovators in STE(A)M through dynamic exhibits, impactful educational initiatives and inspiring events. Black Creativity’s 2026 edition kicks off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 19) with the opening of the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition. 

This year’s Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, which is the longest continuously running juried exhibition of Black art in the United States, features nearly 200 paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by more than 100 different artists, including Chicagoland teen artists. 

This year’s exhibition debuts alongside Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell, which highlights the impactful Black creative and innovator in the Museum’s Griffin Studio.

In addition to the celebrated Juried Art Exhibition, the full slate of programming for 2026 includes:  

• Family Day: Families are invited to participate in hands-on activities led by working Black creatives and get the first look at the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition on its opening day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 19) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This year, Family Day is taking inspiration from Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell with a hands-on activity allowing all guests to create a personal collage on a postcard to be sent anywhere in the world. Included with General Admission.  
• Career Showcase: Black artists, scientists, engineers and more join the Museum on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to highlight education and career opportunities in STE(A)M fields. Guests can have one-on-one conversations, observe demonstrations on various STE(A)M-related concepts and engage in hands-on activities. Included with General Admission.
• Bessie Coleman Flight School Curiosity Day Camps: Students in grades 4 through 8 can learn about the legacy of Bessie Coleman, the first Black female pilot, while exploring the basics of aerospace engineering with flight simulators, origami airplanes and more hands-on activities. Bessie Coleman Flight School takes place on Monday, Feb. 16 and Monday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $100 per camper, $90 for Griffin MSI members.  
• Black Creativity Gala: On Saturday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 11 p.m., Griffin MSI hosts an elegant evening to honor the indispensable and significant contributions of Black creators, innovators and artists. The night includes live musical performances, dancing, a seated dinner, access to the 2026 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and more. Ticket purchases and sponsorships support the ongoing success of the Black Creativity program year after year. Tickets start at $500.
• Black Creativity Night Out: Join select artists behind the works in the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition for an after-hours, adults-only party on Friday, March 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. The night includes an opportunity to meet and be inspired by many of the exhibit’s featured artists as well as music, dancing, food and drinks. Tickets are $35, $20 for Griffin MSI members.  
• Jr. Art and Science Cafés: Fourth to eighth grade students from qualifying schools can participate in this program, running every Tuesday and Thursday in February. STE(A)M professionals share their careers with students through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations. Each 30-45-minute session is an exciting opportunity for students to hear personal stories from a scientist, artist or engineer who looks like them and dive deeper into the possibility of pursuing a pathway into STE(A)M. These sessions are not open to the public — registration is required, and schools must meet specific requirements to participate.

The Black Creativity program began in 1970 as a tribute to the culture, heritage and contributions of Black artists. It was conceived and organized by a group of local artists along with key staff members of the Chicago Defender. Initially called Black Esthetics, the early years captured the cultural pride among the Black community at the time, with the Juried Art Exhibition and live music, dance and theatrical performances.  

In 1984, the program was renamed Black Creativity and soon expanded to celebrate the contributions of Black professionals in the sciences. New experiences were added, including educational programs and a gala to support the annual program. Now in its 56th year, Black Creativity’s longevity underscores the program’s impact in bridging arts, science and community and its indelible mark on Chicago history.  

The 2026 Black Creativity program is made possible by the generous support of season sponsors The Allstate Insurance Company, Ardmore Roderick and The Boeing Company.  

Photos: Images from Black Creativity 2026 can be downloaded here.  

Credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 

The Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum's mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to the Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs ­for students, administrators, teachers and families ­that make a difference in local communities and contribute to MSI's goal to transform and illuminate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of its generous donors and guests who make its work possible. The Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.